SOF Week | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘SOF Week’ Category

Galvion’s State-of-the-Art Warfighter Lab Plays a Critical Role in the Development of Integrated Helmet Systems

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Historically, the evolution of protective head systems has been centered around lighter materials, enhanced protection against expanded and varied threats, improved coverage, fit and comfort, and scalability through shrouds, rail systems and add-on accessories. These critical advancements have led to significantly better protective helmet systems for those on the front lines.

Several years ago, the concept of “active” protection emerged, built on the idea that helmets needed to move from a purely protective productto a solution that increases survivability and lethality. These solutions integrate with modern equipment like hearing enhancement devices, night vision goggles, head-up displays, sensors, emitters, and computation. With the accelerated pace of innovation and the introduction of very new technologies like drones, robots, visual augmentation, advanced weapons platforms, and communicationsystems, etc., the future of head systems is capability-enhancement and integration focused.

Great product design is grounded in end-user feedback. The challenge, however, is that user feedback is inherently subjective, and often related to a ‘feeling’ rather than a quantifiable measure. With little detail beyond “that felt tight,” or “this was comfortable,” or “that felt a little unstable”, it can be difficult to translate subjective feedback into actionable product development decisions. Industry needs new tools in our collective toolbox in order to analyze the operational effectiveness of the warfighter as a system.

Galvion’s Warfighter Lab was purpose-built in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire headquarters, with state-of-the-art, custom-designed equipment, to measure and record performance under controlled andrepeatable conditions in an operationally immersive environment.Depending on the project, the questions posed, the type of end-user, the environmental conditions required, and the product or system being tested, the Warfighter Lab builds experiment protocols that include layers of simulation ranging from full reality to mixed reality to full virtual reality.

Dr. Martin Fultot, Manager of Galvion’s Warfighter Lab and an Experimental Psychologist explains, “We want to obtain behavioral responses and performance from the user that reliably reflect what would happen in the field. We do that by pushing the boundaries of immersion and suspension of disbelief; by blurring the lines between what is virtual and what is real. The simulated weapon you use is really in your hands, the wall you see is really there, etc. The level of immersion for our simulations is as advanced as we can get, given the current technology, allowing us to tap into deeply ingrained neuromuscular structures and processes to maximize the quality of the data and the validity of our conclusions.”

The Warfighter Lab allows our teams to move from ideation through iterations to implementation quickly and is at the center of new system developments, including Galvion’s Integrated Helmet System (IHS), a customized solution to meet the unique operational requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Galvion collaborated closely with Marines to incorporate real-time feedback, collected through multiple Limited User Evaluations (LUE) events, resulting in a purpose-built helmet system that provides an integrated head protection platform for the Marines.

One of the critical priorities discovered during feedback sessions was the need for superior stability. Marines voiced a willingness to trade comfort for stability and effectiveness, scoring NVG stability as essential. Galvion’s Engineering, Human Factors and Warfighter Labteams collaborated in an iterative development process to refineGalvion’s APEX™ suspension & retention system in order to ensure unmatched stability without compromising comfort. The results included a more robust fitband dial for easy adjustment even when wearing gloves, an improved harness camlock for quick adjustment, and a re-designed nape pad. The Warfighter Lab put the IHS helmet through stability testing under three conditions: helmet only, helmet with NVG, and helmet with NVG and counterbalance. Our internal design experiment demonstrated that overall performance with the helmet (shooting accuracy and speed) did not change, meaning the helmet can easily handle headborne accessories, validating overall stability of the helmet and APEX™ liner system design.

The ability to understand, measure and analyze exactly what new technology offers will be critical in assessing the tipping point between increased operational effectiveness and cognitive overload. How does each new technology impact overall warfighter survivability? Does it truly enhance performance or is it something that we, in theory, believe enhances performance? The Warfighter Lab is designed precisely to answer these new questions by collectingthe quantitative data needed to make product decisions in the era of the hyper-enabled warfighter.

Galvion will be exhibiting at Modern Day Marine Booth #943 (April 30-May 2nd, 2024) and at SOF Week Booth #948 (May 7-9th, 2024)

For more information related to Galvion’s IHS, please click here.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, MDM, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

Registration Open for SOF Week 2024 in Tampa

Friday, March 8th, 2024

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Global Special Operations Forces (SOF) Foundation (GSOF) will co-host SOF Week in Tampa, FL, 6-10 May.

SOF Week is an annual conference for the international SOF community to learn, connect, and honor its members – it is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees.

Key highlights of SOF Week 2024 include:

– An expanded exhibition hall, organized by USSOCOM Program Executive Office (PEO) areas

– Extensive programming, to include senior leader keynote speakers, professional development seminars, industry engagements, networking opportunities, and non-profit interests.

– Live Capabilities Demonstration

– USSOCOM Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner

– “SOF Week Campus” in downtown Tampa, around the Tampa Convention Center

– Invitations for official representatives sent to approximately 100 U.S. partner nations

“We are extremely excited to convene the community at SOF Week 2024. This convention for U.S. and International SOF will include a diverse slate of programs, to include professional development sessions, interactive discussions about the future of SOF, and an up-close view of some of the best tech available to our warfighters,” said Stuart Bradin, President and CEO, GSOF. “We look forward to working with USSOCOM to make SOF Week 2024 an impactful event.”

At SOF Week, industry partners and exhibitors will hear from USSOCOM’s Acquisition Executive on command priorities and requirements, as well as identify emergent technologies and capabilities critical to SOF.

“SOCOM is bringing the globally distributed SOF community to Tampa for industry collaboration, professional development and networking,” said SOCOM Acquisition Executive Melissa Johnson. “The industry conference has attracted more than 600 exhibitors this year, proving the indispensable role that our industry partners play in the SOF network.”

The exhibition hall is organized by USSOCOM Program Executive Office (PEO) and Directorate areas of focus (Information Systems, Science and Technology, SOF Digital Applications, Special Air Warfare, Maritime, SOF Warrior, Services and SOF Support Activity) to facilitate meaningful interactions.

Other opportunities such as one-to-one meetings, small group roundtables, question-and-answer sessions, and networking opportunities are integral to the SOF Week agenda, providing ample opportunity for industry to government conversations.

“The value proposition of the week is to provide industry and government with meaningful opportunities to share ideas, provide updates, and discuss solutions to hard problems within the international SOF community,” said Johnson.

Registration is now open and required for all SOF Week participants. For more information, visit www.sofweek.org/attend/registration.

Posted in GSOF, SOF Week | No Comments »

Registration for SOF Week is Now Open

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

The registration for SOF Week 2024 is officially open! Taking place on 6-10 May in Tampa, Florida, this can’t-miss event brings together over 15,000 attendees from across the global SOF landscape for engaging programming, crucial conversations, new connections, and community building. Register your place today to receive our early bird pricing.

Benefits of attending SOF Week:

• Gain visibility into the future of SOF capabilities direct from senior leader briefs

• Discover the latest technology innovations that can expand SOF advantage
• Build meaningful relationships with fellow SOF members and partners
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities
• Honor SOF heroes past and present at the USSOCOM Awards Ceremony and Dinner

With more square footage, more programming, and more ways to engage, SOF Week 2024 is poised to be the biggest and best SOF event yet. Mark your calendars today and be part of this can’t-miss community gathering in Tampa this May.

Please note: This is for attendees. If you are an exhibitor, please don’t register here, exhibitor registration will follow shortly and you’ll be contacted by your POC.

Posted in Guest Post, SOF Week | No Comments »

Non-GSOF Member International SOF Week Booth Space Update

Thursday, August 24th, 2023

For International SOF Week 2024, all GSOF non-corporate partners will be entered into a lottery for available space. This process will ensure a fair and unbiased selection. If you have more questions about this, please visit the SOF Week website sofweek.org.

Posted in GSOF, SOF Week | Comments Off on Non-GSOF Member International SOF Week Booth Space Update

SOF Week 23 – Waterproof.eu Tactical Breathable Drysuit

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

Swedish brand Waterproof is week known in the European diving community. They exhibited their Model M47 Tactical Breathable Drysuit.

Weighing 2 kg (size Med), theirs breathable drysuit is designed for full range of motion both under and above the surface. It’s made from 4-Layer AQUAMAX 330D Cordura Nylon with an inner layer of 20D Nylon Tricot. Fully seam sealed, it incorporates a seamless crotch, neck and wrist seals as well as a YKK AQUASEAL #10 light and flexible plastic dry zipper across the shoulders for donning and doffing.

Available in a nonmagnetic model, it comes in Black or NATO Green in male and female sizes XS-3XL (No 3XL in female sizing) with Tall and Short available upon request.

Posted in Maritime, SOF Week | Comments Off on SOF Week 23 – Waterproof.eu Tactical Breathable Drysuit

SOF Week 23 – Thales Soldier System

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

During SOF Week, Thales showed their Soldier System concept. They’ve got quite a bit of experience working on various Future Soldier programs throughout NATO but rather than showing an entire system, they were discussing individual systems which can be used alone or all together.

Rather than concentrating on PPE, they are offering an ecosystem which will work with any equipage to make command and control and sensors more useful to the individual Soldier. This allows them to be more adaptive to a wider range of customers, particularly those who are looking for niche capabilities or do not want to make a wholesale change.

We’ll start at the top and work our way down.

Quad Night Vision Goggles – These should get a lot of notice, if for no other reason than aesthetics.

However, there are other reasons to take note. First, it’s 100 grams lighter than other systems on the market. Second, it has a 126 degree field of view. Their main competitor has a 97 degree FOV. But, you’ll have to wait. Final versions won’t be available until 2025.

Heads Up Display – It’s a simple monocle device to display data from the End User Device.

IS1500 GPS Denied Navigator – Currently at TRL 6, this device utilizes bread crumbs and can reference them to correct errors.

Gun Shot Detection System App – Compatible with ATAK, it displays information from the gunshot detection system.

Pre-Shot Detection System – Although they didn’t go into details, this system looks for potential shooters.

XTRAIM Sight – The XTRAIM weapon sight we previewed at SHOT Show is now in production.

The operator can select direct view, full IR view, and outline mode. XTRAIM offers 500m target recognition with 250m PID of a man sized target. Those ranges are extended to 600m and 320m respectively when used in conjunction with a 3X magnifier. Here’s what the screen looks like in outline mode.

It features an uncooled sensor with 12 micron pitch and 640×480 resolution. Additionally, the operator can configure it in conjunction with a clip-on night vision (I2) sight.

Sophie ULTIMA handheld thermal imager – They displayed one other item. Although not worn on the Soldier, the Sophie ULTIMA handheld thermal imager is a cooled, 4-in-1 handheld target locator weighing 5.5 lbs. It can identify a tank at 6 km at night and at 7 km during the day.

In addition to a day capability it adds MWIR and their patented VisioLoc system offers GPS-denied Cat1 targeting. The VisioLoc Resilient Positioning Navigation (RPN) system uses an embedded goniometer combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) data. You use the camera to capture three points of interest and the system will determine your geo-location within five minutes.

Development of these systems continues, with new capabilities constantly under development. We will keep you posted as additional information becomes available.

Posted in Digitization, Optics, SOF Week | 1 Comment »

SOF Week 23 – USSOCOM Weapons Update

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

The update to the USSOCOM weapons update is that there’s not much to update. Organized under PEO SOF Warrior, PM Lethality is led by LTC John M “Tosh” Lancaster who conducted a briefing on his portfolio during SOF Week. These are photographs of the slides he used.

Weapon program continuations from last year include the Lightweight Machinegun-Medium in .338 Norma Mag and Lightweight Machinegun-Assault in 6.5 CM. The LMG-M is underway with fielding anticipated in FY 26, while LMG-A is still in planning. The LMG-M will offer accurate fire at .50 ranges from a weapon lighter than an M240 firing 7.62 NATO. It is in my estimation the greatest single improvement to US small arms in a century.

As part of their service-like acquisition authorities, the command continues to look at Next Gen Suppressor Technologies, low-cost counter-defilade solutions, and precision energetics. For suppressors, they’d like to address the whole gamut: flash, heat, ground disturbance, and sound as well as particulate. On the energetics side, LTC Lancaster mentioned Slap Charges which are primarily used for breaching. This is not to be confused with SLAP (saboted light armor penetrator) ammunition which they are also interested in, particularly in 338 NM.

One interesting disclosure by LTC Lancaster was made during an acknowledgement of the US Army’s 6.8mm Next Generation Squad Weapons program; that US Army Special Operations Command will receive those weapons and ammunition from the Army. What he didn’t say is important. Considering that USASOC has the vast preponderance of SOF ground forces, if the M7 replaces the M4A1s in Army SOF arms rooms, those M4s will once again become SOF unique. Considering the investment, this will lead to a discussion on whether USASOC (and perhaps SOCOM writ large) wants to continue with the M4 or look for a new weapon and possibly caliber. They could reject 5.56mm NATO completely and fully adopt the NGSW weapon and ammunition, or look for a new lightweight carbine in some flavor of 5.56 or another intermediate cartridge (sorry fanboys, 6 ARC isn’t the answer, but that’s another discussion).

On the Visual Augmentation System or VAS front, LTC Lancaster explained that every 18 to 24 months he has an opportunity to transition a promising technology from the work being done by the Joint Acquisition Task Force in pursuit of the Hyper Enabled Operator objective, which is itself an off-shoot of the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) or so-called “Iron Man” program.

DANHUD is just such a project. The Day And Night Heads Up Display will integrate with ATAK and head protection systems to project relevant data to the eyes. LTC Lancaster wants to get the operator’s eyes off the screen and back up into the fight. While the Army continues to work on the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), DANHUD is moving at a much faster pace and is more focused on immediate operator needs.

They are also seeking a new Machine Gun Optic for use with LMG-M to be fielded in FY 26 along with the weapon.

Ground Organic Precision Strike System is also a carry over. Envisioned as a system of different sized strike capabilities, GOPSS offers the ground SOF element with its own precision fires.

Maritime Precision Engagement-Munition is managed by Program Management Office–Naval Special Warfare, also inder PEO SOF Warrior. As a surface-based analog to GOPPS, MPE-M delivers a Javelin-sized warhead from a loitering munition launched from a Naval Special Warfare surface craft. It features operator-in-the-loop and can be used against land and surface targets. Future improvements include non-kinetic payloads and Alt-PNT guidance modalities.

Above is a laundry list of capability enhancements USSOCOM is interested in, regardless of whether there is a formal program. Almost all of these are technology insertions into existing capabilities rather than completely new systems. However, the announcement for the Mortar Fire Control Device requirement should be available through SOFWERX soon.

On a final note, lethal droids are coming to SOF. Just as unmanned aerial systems like Switchblade have been weaponized, expect similar results for ground robots. For example, throw bots that explode and weaponized unmanned ground systems. Like with aerial systems, an operator will remain in the loop for final weapon release authority.

Posted in SOF, SOF Week, weapons | 19 Comments »

SOF Week 23 – Secumar

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

This is the SECUVAC from German dive equipment manufacturer Secumar.

This two-part equipment is designed to protect an injured person during maritime operations. It consists of a polymer rescue sled for rigidity and ease of movement and a waterproof cover with zippers at three sides. The sled can also be hoisted. You can also insert an inflatable mattress between the sled and cover. Inside is a fleece blanket.

The face covering is clear to allow rescuers to monitor and communicate with the evacuee. It includes hoops to keep it off of the evacuee’s face.

Although the evacuee breathes what air is inside the SECUVAC, there is an inlet valve located at abdominal area and an outlet valve at the head area. This can be used to provide oxygen and positive buoyancy. There is also laser cut PALS webbing at select areas to attach gear.

www.secumar.com/en/secuvac

Posted in International, Maritime, Medical, SOF Week | Comments Off on SOF Week 23 – Secumar